New York Mets Welcome Norway’s World Cup Supporters
A group of Norwegian soccer supporters turned heads at Citi Field on Wednesday when they gathered in a center-field section during the first game of a Mets-Cubs doubleheader, creating a lively atmosphere with chants and celebrations.
The fans, who organized the outing through Facebook, said the Mets helped arrange seating so they could sit together. Many of the supporters are visiting the United States to follow Norway’s national soccer team during the World Cup. Norway recently earned a 3-2 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium.
For many in attendance, the baseball experience was entirely new.
“It’s a unique experience because we don’t have anything quite like this in Norway,” said one fan, Kawar. “It feels very American in every way.”
Although Norway has its own baseball competition, the Norsk Baseballiga, the sport remains relatively small in the Scandinavian country. Several fans admitted they spent the first 15 to 20 minutes of the game explaining the rules to one another before fully understanding the action on the field.
One supporter noted that baseball looked very different in person than it does on television.
As the Norwegians began chanting and cheering, they quickly became a source of entertainment for other spectators, adding excitement to an otherwise calm weekday afternoon game.
A Citi Field guest services employee praised the group’s enthusiasm, describing the fans as “phenomenal” and saying their coordinated chants created a special atmosphere inside the ballpark.
The Norwegian supporters have gained attention throughout the World Cup for their spirited celebrations, particularly the “Viking Ship” rowing chant that has appeared at locations including Times Square and MetLife Stadium.
Fans also expressed admiration for American sports venues. Espen, one of the supporters, said he had been impressed by the size and quality of the stadiums he has visited. Another fan remarked that European venues could learn from aspects of the U.S. sports experience.
Perhaps the biggest surprise for the visitors was the variety of food available. While some joked about the abundance of peanuts, many spent time exploring the stadium’s extensive selection of burgers, milkshakes, and other ballpark offerings.
Norway’s World Cup journey continues Friday when the team faces France in Foxborough
